OPG Local reached tentative agreement

The OPG Local reached a tentative three-year collective agreement. OPG Local members will vote on ratifying the agreement from November 2-16.

Highlights of the deal include:

Term is 3 years commencing January 1, 2016

1% across-the-board wage increases in each of 2016, 2017 and 2018

1% lump sum payment in 2016 followed by a 2% lump sum payment in 2017, both of which will be based on salary as of January 1, 2016

2% in Hydro One shares beginning in 2018 for up to 15 years

1% increase in pension contributions in each of 2016 and 2017

Benefit changes to Rule of 85 as of March 31, 2025. Any Society-represented employee who achieves rule of 82 prior to March 31, 2025 will continue to have that as their earliest unreduced retirement rule.

Pension benefits for future service will be based on a “high five” rather than a “high three” average as of March 31, 2025

Overtime rules have been amended to provide parity with PWU contract

There will be no involuntary layoffs during the term of the contract

Mediation-arbitration will be the system used to resolve collective agreement disagreements during the term of the contract

The OPG Local continues to hold information meetings about the tentative agreement. As details of education sector unions’ agreement with the government for reimbursement of bargaining expenses receives attention in the news media, some members attending OPG Local information meetings have asked whether The Society received any money. OPG Local Vice President Joe Fierro advised members that The Society pays for all of its own collective bargaining expenses and has not received any money for bargaining from the government or the companies for which Society members work.